Dinakaran Ousted From Party; AIADMK Merger By Aug 15?

The warring factions of the ruling AIADMK seem to be inching towards a merger, as a resolution was passed in a meeting chaired by Palanisami removing Dinakaran from the party post.

Chennai: The two warring factions of the AIADMK, the ruling party in Tamil Nadu, appear to be swiftly inching toward a merger, as the developments that took place on Thursday are to be taken into consideration.

In an apparent rebellion, the Chief Minister Edappadi Palanisami, who chaired a party meeting on Thursday declared that the appointment of TTV Dhinakaran, nephew of VK Sasikala, as unacceptable and invalid. This declaration is expected to clear the decks for the unification of two factions.

Another crucial issue is the AIADMK official release saying Sasikala’s appointment itself was under the scrutiny of the election commission.

According to sources, Palanisami would continue as the chief minister and former Chief Minister Panneerselvam could be made general secretary and a minimum of two of his aides are to be inducted into the cabinet. In fact, this is what Panneerselvam has been demanding.

Meanwhile, the AIADMK meeting also scrapped all appointments of office bearers and decisions made by Dinakaran, thus, isolating him from the party. It may be recalled that even the Election Commission has rejected a letter written by Dinakaran in his capacity as the party deputy general secretary.

Although the OPS faction is maintaining silence over the developments, party sources pointed out that the merger of two factions could happen by August 15.

The merger is essential for AIADMK not only to get back its two leaves symbol, but also a united party could take on DMK in the fast approaching local body polls.

As the ouster of VK Sasikala and her relatives from the party and government posts was not declared, it is suspected that OPS camp has not come out with any comments.

However, around 30 ministers and top party officials who participated in the meeting signed the resolution that ousted Dinakaran from the party post. But, the members who are close to Sasikala and Dinakaran say that they can’t be removed from the party.

The security at the party headquarters has been tightened as Dinakaran is expected to enter the place.